Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Plead guilty or not guilty?

[melanie]

I recently got a citation for retail theft, 1st time ($12). I just want to plead guilty and get this over with. Is a plea No Contest better that a plea of guilt?

 

[Betty3]

A no contest plea just means you do not admit to guilt but do admit to the truth of the facts in the "complaint".

In some cases it can make a difference such as - no contest allows you to avoid a trial if your defense has become hopeless, but it prevents the plea from being used against you in any later civil or criminal proceeding. It also allows you the opportunity to appeal rulings by the court, such as rulings allowing certain evidence to be used by the government.

A lawyer can advise you about the implications of various pleas.

 

[shrinkmaster]

NO! do not just plead guilty or even no contest! You need to protect your record talk to your Attorney about plea options like ACD or diversion

 

[mightymoose]

Agreed. Speak with an attorney when you go to court. Do not make any plea without spreading with someone.
A first time offense of this type is commonly reduced to an infraction which does not give you a criminal record. A guilty or no contest plea will result in a misdemeanor conviction.

 

[Betty3]

Also agree. In my first post (besides answering the OP's question re no contest/guilty pleas), I was saying speak with a lawyer - a lawyer can explain/give the implications of various pleas (not just no contest/guilty). I could have went into a little more detail (or been a little more clear) but guess I thought the lawyer could do that.